INCREASED PRICES

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27224, 16 December 1953, Page 3

INCREASED PRICES

Sir,—One of your correspondents compares New Zealand’s Labour Government with the Social Credit Party in power irr Alberta and states that Labour is now out there, while the other party is still on the “up and up” in Alberta. One reason for this is that its effort in the last war was feeble and less costly for so rich a province, while the Labour Party lost much popular support here with war-time measures. Also, he will admit that recent discoveries of oil jn Alberta have played a big part in that province’s prosperity.—Yours, etc., GRAHAM THOMAS. December 15, 1953.

Sir, —lt appears to be agreed by employers and employees, housewives, pensioners, National and Opposition supporters that the recent award granted by the Arbitration Court is of no use to anybody. Mr F. P. Walsh is. so we are advised, on his way back to New Zealand. I suggest that the Federation of Labour, led by Mr Walsh, apply to the Arbitration Court to reverse its decision, thereby making everybody happy and saving a further inflation of (is it?) £30,000,000 to New Zealand.—Yours, etc., ” JOE. December 15, 1953.

Sir, —Every reasonable person must realise that when wages go up by 10 per cent, there must be some increase in many commodities in daily use; but some goods have gone up by 100 per cent, since the Court’s decision was announced. It was understood that an increase amounting to 75 per cent, of the increase would be allowed. In seme dining rooms in the city a cup of tea with meals has increased from 3d to 6d, and some sweets from 6d to Is, with a smaller helping; many other items show a similar increase. Where are the price controlling officers? — Yours, etc., OBSERVER. December 15, 1953.

Sir, —Regarding the increases granted by the Government in respect of pensions and allowances, may 1 point out that the claim of one c.lass o( superannuitant for an equitable adjustment of pension is beyond question. This class consists of Public Service annuitants, particularly those whp retired before 1940 and the devaluation of the pound. An adjustment was due when devaluation took place. This has been done in respect of soldiers’ pensions. The majority of the superannuitants draw pensions under £3OO. They contributed for 40 years to their fund, on which past governments borrowed heavily and failed to repay. They are required to pay social security tax on their full pension. Their case was fully presented to a Parliamentary committee and to the recent commission. One wonders why some satisfactory adjustment has not been made.—Yours, etc., WESTLAND. Hokitika, December 14, 1953.

Sir—The Arbitration Court heard evidence from employers’ and workzers’ representatives and gave a fair decision. Mr Holland upset it by increasing prices all round; and we are worse off than before. What, then, is the Court for? Just a waste of time. Mr Holland’s policy was to stabilise the internal economy of the country. If he controls prices and profits we shall not need w-age increases. He is completely out of touch, living in a world of 50 years ago. His promised wireless fee was 15s; it is now 30s. His pound note has a jet engine attached. Is it any wonder people have lost confidence in his party; viz., Mrs McMillan’s eight times bigger majority than that of the latg Mr Walls—all in two years. And borrow. They are champions—several loans in New Zealand. Australia, and now London. What an interest bill to pay! All in good times. —Yours, etc., DISGUSTED. December .15, 1953.